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    Home » Recipes » Ingredient » Chicken

    Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

    Published: Feb 28, 2022 · Modified: Mar 31, 2023 by Ang Paris · 1 Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    With loads of flavor from fresh garlic and ginger, this easy stovetop recipe ready in just 20 minutes!
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections Print Recipe
    Enjoy the sweet and savory delicious flavor of this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe that you can whip up right on your stove whenever you’re craving takeout. via @jugglingactmamaEnjoy the sweet and savory delicious flavor of this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe that you can whip up right on your stove whenever you’re craving takeout. via @jugglingactmamaEnjoy the sweet and savory delicious flavor of this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe that you can whip up right on your stove whenever you’re craving takeout. via @jugglingactmamaEnjoy the sweet and savory delicious flavor of this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe that you can whip up right on your stove whenever you’re craving takeout. via @jugglingactmamaEnjoy the sweet and savory delicious flavor of this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe that you can whip up right on your stove whenever you’re craving takeout. via @jugglingactmama

    Enjoy the sweet and savory delicious flavor of this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe that you can whip up right on your stove whenever you’re craving takeout.

    Close up of Healthy Sesame Chicken in a green bowl.

    If you like easy stovetop chicken recipes, then you'll love this sesame chicken.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • Equipment
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • ⏲️ Storage
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • 📋 Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe
    • Healthy Sesame Chicken
    • 💬 Comments

    On a busy night, it can be so tempting to cave and order Chinese takeout. But it’s so easy, and did I mention how delicious it is? This sesame chicken is a healthier version of a Chinese takeout classic, and it can be made just as quick as the delivered stuff!

    Since the chicken is cut into small pieces, it cooks really fast. And since this is essentially a stir fry recipe, it is far healthier than deep frying.

    In my opinion, the star of the dish is the incredible sesame chicken sauce. It is SO good! You can whip up this easy weeknight meal for your family in no time.

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • I love that the sesame sauce is packed full of flavor from the fresh garlic, sesame oil, and fresh ginger.
    • Since the chicken is stir-fried in the pan instead of breaded and deep-fried, it is definitely healthier.
    • Most of all I love that this is basically a 20-minute recipe!

    🧂 Ingredients

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    • boneless skinless chicken breasts OR chicken thighs
    • cornstarch
    • sesame oil
    • soy sauce
    • honey
    • fresh ginger and fresh garlic
    • sesame seeds
    • salt and pepper
    • scallions (for garnish)

    🔪Instructions

    This is meant to be a brief overview of our healthy honey sesame chicken recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    1. Combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
    2. Next, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and salt and pepper in a separate bowl.
    3. Heat a large skillet over high heat.
    4. Add oil and chicken to pan and stir-fry.
    5. Add the sauce and allow it to simmer until the sauce is thick and sticky.
    6. Remove chicken from pan, top with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
    7. Serve over rice or noodles.
    Close up of Healthy Sesame Chicken in a white serving dish.

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Medium Mixing Bowl
    • Whisk
    • Non-stick or Cast Iron Skillet
    • Serving Dish

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about this healthy sesame chicken recipe and the delectable sesame sauce!

    What's the difference between sesame chicken and General Tso's chicken?

    General Tso's Chicken is spicier and has more heat than sesame chicken.

    How much ground ginger equals fresh ginger?

    1 teaspoon of fresh minced ginger can be replaced with ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.

    What are the benefits of fresh ginger?

    Fresh ginger is full of healthy antioxidants. It's also great for an upset tummy or nausea.

    Is sesame chicken high in protein?

    The chicken itself has about 21 grams of protein in each serving. If you're watching what you eat, keep in mind that additions of noodles or rice will add carbohydrates.

    Is sesame oil healthier than olive oil?

    Both are unsaturated fats, which are a healthier option.

    What can I use instead of sesame oil?

    Grapeseed, canola, and sunflower oil are good alternatives to sesame oil.

    📖 Variations

    Personally, I think that this yummy chicken in savory sesame sauce is the best sesame chicken recipe. We recommend that you try our recipe for the first time just as it is written for the best results because that is how the recipe has been tested.

    However, the next time you make it, you might consider one of these different ways of making this great recipe.

    • For a spicier dish, add 1 teaspoon (or more) of sriracha for some heat. You can also add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce or a little bit of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you don't have sriracha on hand.
    • I love using fresh ginger, but don't always have it in the fridge. You can substitute ½ teaspoon ground ginger for the fresh ginger in this recipe.
    • Sesame oil really helps drive home the sesame flavor, but you can substitute olive oil or avocado oil if you don't have any in your pantry.
    • Substitute brown sugar for the honey.
    • For an even healthier dish, stir fry carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts, or even green beans, and then mix it in with the juicy chicken and sweet sauce. It's a great addition to the meal.
    Close up of Healthy Sesame Chicken in a green bowl with chopsticks and a white serving bowl in the background.

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    I like to serve this with wide lo mein noodles, however, you can serve it with cauliflower rice or brown rice instead of noodles for a healthier option. It's great with zucchini noodles or white rice, and also great with lightly steamed broccoli, water chestnuts, or sautéed snow peas also.

    Extra sesame seeds on top with some finely chopped green onions make for a pretty presentation. You could also add a little drizzle of hot honey or sesame oil on top.

    Add a batch of my Baked Eggrolls with Pork and Veggies for a full take-out at home meal!

    ⏲️ Storage

    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

    😋 Similar Recipes

    Next time, try one of these tasty and easy recipes:

    • Instant Pot Orange Chicken - The Chinese take-out classic you remember, but easier and more affordable!
    • Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken - This is the perfect make ahead meal for busy weeknights.
    • Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli - Need an easy weeknight dinner? This is it.
    • Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken - The slow cooker makes this one especially easy and delicious.
    • Honey Butter Chicken - An easy 30-minute meal that is as flavorful as it is easy.
    • Salt and Pepper Chicken - You'll love this super quick and easy meal that's full of bold flavor you can only get from Chinese 5-spice.
    • Salt and Pepper Chicken with spring onions on a white platter.
    • Close up of Honey Butter Chicken in a skillet.

    📋 Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

    Not ready to make this yummy chicken recipe yet? Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Healthy Sesame Chicken

    With loads of flavor from fresh garlic and ginger, this easy stovetop recipe ready in just 20 minutes!
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Asian
    Keyword: Healthy Sesame Chicken, Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 960kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Medium Mixing Bowl
    • Whisk
    • Skillet

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts OR chicken thighs cut into ½ inch strips or cubes
    • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
    • 1 pinch each salt & pepper
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • Small bunch spring onions scallions chopped

    For the Sauce

    • 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds

    Instructions

    • Combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
      1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 Tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated, 1 clove garlic minced, 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
    • Next, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and salt and pepper in a separate bowl.
      1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts OR chicken thighs, 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, 1 pinch each salt & pepper
    • Heat a large skillet over high heat.
    • Add oil and chicken to pan and stir-fry.
    • Add the sauce and allow it to simmer until the sauce is thick and sticky.
    • Remove chicken from pan, top with chopped spring onions and additional sesame seeds, if you like.
      Small bunch spring onions scallions
    • Serve over rice or noodles.

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 960kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 105g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 290mg | Sodium: 3587mg | Potassium: 1910mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 6mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

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    Comments

    1. Lindy says

      March 24, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      I can't believe I'm the first person to leave a review on this chicken recipe because it is AMAZING. I probably make it 2-3 times a month and my whole family love it. Thank you for such a yummy weeknight dish!

      Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

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